Mother of school hammer attack victim calls for new Solicitor General Robert Buckland MP to quit

In a statement MP Robert Buckland, insisted there had been no malicious intent for his actions and he believed he was acting in the best interest of The Ridgeway School

SWINDON South MP Robert Buckland is facing calls to stand down from his new role as Solicitor General after it emerged he was found guilty of professional misconduct but failed to disclose it to the Prime Minister.

It relates to a race hate crime in 2007 where a Wroughton schoolboy was left with severe brain injuries following a vicious attack by a group of 13 Asians.

Both the victim, Henry Webster, and four of the attackers were pupils at Ridgeway School at the time, where Mr Buckland, a former barrister and part-time judge, was a governor.

While conducting the internal investigation, he was not acting in a legal capacity but as a governor so should not have been speaking to barristers involved in the case to secure information.

The MP requested to see hundreds of pupil witness statements from another barrister in the criminal trial of Amjad Qazi, who was jailed for the attack.

In 2011, Mr Buckland, along with Robin Sheallard, were found guilty of breaching the code of conduct of the Bar of England and Wales for illicitly obtaining the papers which he had no entitlement to see.

Although they were both guilty, there was no fine and both were allowed to continue working in the profession.

Last week, Mr Buckland, who became an MP in 2010, was appointed to the role of Solicitor General in David Cameron’s reshuffle, one of the most senior legal roles in the country – but he did not tell the Prime Minister of the breach.

At the weekend, Mr Buckland said the finding was spent and therefore he had no need to disclose it but the mother of Henry Webster, Liz, said she was shocked he was given the role and wants him to now stand down.

She believes that Mr Buckland was using the information to help prevent the school being seen as guilty of racism, something which may have affected his attempts to become an MP.

Liz said: “I am astounded that he was even offered the position as they must have been aware of this.

“If not, he surely had a duty to disclose it himself. He should step down. He obtained personal information and it shows he was prepared to do anything to get the result he wanted.

“I reported this to the police and CPS when I first heard what he had done but no-one did anything. After that I passed it on to the Bar and they have since found him guilty.

“It shows simply that he is not fit to do this job and should stand down immediately, firstly for the breach in the first place and then not declaring it.”

Following the attack, Liz launched civil action against Ridgeway School for failing to protect her son which she lost.

However, the Swindon Local Safeguarding Children Board commissioned a review in 2010 which found the school had failed to tackle escalating racial tensions.

The case centred on whether the school had turned a blind eye to racism as teachers were under the impression the Asian pupils were being bullied when was in fact it was the other way around.

Henry, who was 15 at the time had been the target of abuse and challenged one of his tormentors to a fight but was jumped by a gang of 13.

The pupil, who is now studying Geography at Plymouth University, was left fighting for his life after suffering three skull fractures.

He is moving on with his life but still suffers from bouts of tiredness.

Following a trial his attackers were jailed for between eight months and eight years.

Anne Snelgrove, who was the Labour MP at the time and will be standing for election next year, said: “This appalling incident which left a teenage boy seriously injured was a tragedy.

“However it is shocking that Robert Buckland as a school governor requested witness statements from this case and was handed them by a fellow barrister.

As the Member of Parliament for South Swindon at the time of the incident I worked closely with Henry’s mother, The Ridgeway School, the local council, community teams and Wiltshire Police to assist Henry's recovery and make sure his attackers were brought to justice as well as ensure action was taken at the school and the local council so that this sort of incident could not happen again in any of Swindon’s schools.

“I was aware at the time of Mr Buckland’s actions in securing the witness statements of 350 children at the school who saw the incident and I raised this with a number of organisations and individuals, including the school and the police.

“I was assured that it was being dealt with and subsequently I became aware that Mr Buckland had left the school’s governing body. Robert Buckland still has questions to answer about his actions, as they had the potential to make a bad situation much worse.”

Mr Buckland has said there was no malicious intent for his actions and he believed he was acting in the best interest of the school.

He said: “It is a matter of public record that in May 2011, I was found to have committed a minor breach of the Code of Conduct of the Bar of England and Wales. I was not suspended or fined and continued to practice and sit as a Recorder. This finding was removed from the Bar records after two years and therefore I was not required to declare it upon appointment as Solicitor General.”

PUPIL HIT WITH CLAW HAMMER
THE attack on Henry Webster received national coverage when it took place in 2007.

The schoolboy was brutally attacked by 13 Asians who punched, kicked and hit him six times with a claw hammer.

The fallout saw far right groups attempt to make political capital from the incident while Islamic leaders called for peace.

Henry’s mum Liz Webster maintained Ridgeway School had to take a lot of responsibility for the incident as cases of bullying towards her son had previously occurred.

She argued the teachers believed the Asian pupils were the target of bullies and they were therefore afraid to step in.

The family launched a civil action against the school, saying it had failed to protect her son. However, in 2010 Mr Justice Nichol rejected this claim.

But a review by the Swindon Local Safeguarding Children Board concluded a few months later the school had failed to tackle the problem.

It said the school needed to monitor bullying for racism but race mentors for new pupils needed to be appointed to help them settle in.

Shortly after the incident a school fence was erected along with a CCTV system.

Comments (37)

This does seem to be very political mish mash drummed up by a national newspaper--written out of sequence as to Roberts status at the time as a school governor and a duty to get to the bottom of the matter. Under disclosure rules he could have obtained copies of all the information in any event.
Under the rules both barristers were simply censured for not following bar rules and considered improper--a minor issue and would have been removed from the record after 2 years by that body and not used against them--strangely part of the official document was retained.
It stinks.
In the actual case arising from the crime justice was dealt out and no doubt the mother will try to appeal the case for compensation she lost.
Sadly Robert will be sacrificed by what is purely political farce.

This does seem to be very political mish mash drummed up by a national newspaper--written out of sequence as to Roberts status at the time as a school governor and a duty to get to the bottom of the matter. Under disclosure rules he could have obtained copies of all the information in any event.
Under the rules both barristers were simply censured for not following bar rules and considered improper--a minor issue and would have been removed from the record after 2 years by that body and not used against them--strangely part of the official document was retained.
It stinks.
In the actual case arising from the crime justice was dealt out and no doubt the mother will try to appeal the case for compensation she lost.
Sadly Robert will be sacrificed by what is purely political farce.messyits

Typical Snelgrove tricks - to adopt what Labour do all the time and try and make capital out of a non story - just like labour councillors did to oust the last Mayor.
Of course she will attack Buckland in any manner possible because she wants his seat and seems to be assisted by this newspaper.

Typical Snelgrove tricks - to adopt what Labour do all the time and try and make capital out of a non story - just like labour councillors did to oust the last Mayor.
Of course she will attack Buckland in any manner possible because she wants his seat and seems to be assisted by this newspaper.House with no name

IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.

Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.

IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.
Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.swindondad

swindondad wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.

Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.

agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules

[quote][p][bold]swindondad[/bold] wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.
Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.[/p][/quote]agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rulesScouse Red

swindondad wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.

Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.

agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules

Even if it means breaking them? I am sorry but you either abide by the rules or you don't and as the solicitor general he has to be the example to everyone. The law isn't something you can just bend or break when it suits you, but then no one cares about that in this double standards society, it's all about number one and sod the rest of you! Also what he actually did is irrelevant, if he lied then he has no place in this role!

[quote][p][bold]Scouse Red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]swindondad[/bold] wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.
Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.[/p][/quote]agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules[/p][/quote]Even if it means breaking them? I am sorry but you either abide by the rules or you don't and as the solicitor general he has to be the example to everyone. The law isn't something you can just bend or break when it suits you, but then no one cares about that in this double standards society, it's all about number one and sod the rest of you! Also what he actually did is irrelevant, if he lied then he has no place in this role!house on the hill

"The chief booster of this Bill is a supposedly Conservative MP called Robert Buckland. When I discussed his plan with him on Radio 2 on Monday, I was amazed at his naivety. As a lawyer and part-time judge, he really should know that vague, subjective laws are the tools of tyrants."

I've always found Mr Buckland rather creepy. It's primarily instinctive, but I'm finding little to alter my view.
Peter Hitchens on the proposed "Cinderella Law":
"The chief booster of this Bill is a supposedly Conservative MP called Robert Buckland. When I discussed his plan with him on Radio 2 on Monday, I was amazed at his naivety. As a lawyer and part-time judge, he really should know that vague, subjective laws are the tools of tyrants."
Perhaps naivety explains Buckland's actions in the Ridgeway case. Perhaps not.The Zax

"The chief booster of this Bill is a supposedly Conservative MP called Robert Buckland. When I discussed his plan with him on Radio 2 on Monday, I was amazed at his naivety. As a lawyer and part-time judge, he really should know that vague, subjective laws are the tools of tyrants."

If you wanted to gain information about who, in their statements, were reporting that the school (of which you were a governor) had turned a blind eye to racism and the Swindon Local Safeguarding Children Board stated a few months later the school had failed to tackle the problem, "illicitly obtaining the papers which he had no entitlement to see" would be a powerful tool to find out who was giving evidence to back the claim up. If he can do this to try to cover this sad affair up and save himself, what would he do as the top legal advisor to the Govt?

[quote][p][bold]The Zax[/bold] wrote:
I've always found Mr Buckland rather creepy. It's primarily instinctive, but I'm finding little to alter my view.
Peter Hitchens on the proposed "Cinderella Law":
"The chief booster of this Bill is a supposedly Conservative MP called Robert Buckland. When I discussed his plan with him on Radio 2 on Monday, I was amazed at his naivety. As a lawyer and part-time judge, he really should know that vague, subjective laws are the tools of tyrants."
Perhaps naivety explains Buckland's actions in the Ridgeway case. Perhaps not.[/p][/quote]"Perhaps naivety explains Buckland's actions in the Ridgeway case. Perhaps not."
If you wanted to gain information about who, in their statements, were reporting that the school (of which you were a governor) had turned a blind eye to racism and the Swindon Local Safeguarding Children Board stated a few months later the school had failed to tackle the problem, "illicitly obtaining the papers which he had no entitlement to see" would be a powerful tool to find out who was giving evidence to back the claim up. If he can do this to try to cover this sad affair up and save himself, what would he do as the top legal advisor to the Govt?Grimly Feendish

I don't understand how any of you can protect or defend any of the mps we currently have . Not one of them can look you in the eye and give an honest answer to anything . It's about time we looked at some thing different . I will be honest and say I don't know what but surly there must be a better way to run our country than the way we do now . Be honest all of you who have commented on here lots of times .Conservatives,labou
r, ukip, liberals . Can you honestly say you trust the very people you defend .

I don't understand how any of you can protect or defend any of the mps we currently have . Not one of them can look you in the eye and give an honest answer to anything . It's about time we looked at some thing different . I will be honest and say I don't know what but surly there must be a better way to run our country than the way we do now . Be honest all of you who have commented on here lots of times .Conservatives,labou
r, ukip, liberals . Can you honestly say you trust the very people you defend .nigelej

In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.

Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.

In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.
Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.Big Time

Big Time wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.

Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.

What's all this 'of', about?

[quote][p][bold]Big Time[/bold] wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.
Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.[/p][/quote]What's all this 'of', about?South Stand

Some people's reaction to this seems to stem from not understanding the difference between a professional (or company) RULE and the LAW of the land.

From what has been printed here it would appear that Robert Buckland breached the rules of his profession and a time limited sanction was imposed which once served he supposedly failed to mention.

That is neither a crime so failing to mention it is not dishonest.

I have little doubt that he will now be feed to the wolves but he does not deserve it.

Some people's reaction to this seems to stem from not understanding the difference between a professional (or company) RULE and the LAW of the land.
From what has been printed here it would appear that Robert Buckland breached the rules of his profession and a time limited sanction was imposed which once served he supposedly failed to mention.
That is neither a crime so failing to mention it is not dishonest.
I have little doubt that he will now be feed to the wolves but he does not deserve it.swindondad

swindondad wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.

Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.

agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules

Even if it means breaking them? I am sorry but you either abide by the rules or you don't and as the solicitor general he has to be the example to everyone. The law isn't something you can just bend or break when it suits you, but then no one cares about that in this double standards society, it's all about number one and sod the rest of you! Also what he actually did is irrelevant, if he lied then he has no place in this role!

He may have not given hi full life history to the PM but he certainly hasn't lied about anything.

[quote][p][bold]house on the hill[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Scouse Red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]swindondad[/bold] wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.
Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.[/p][/quote]agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules[/p][/quote]Even if it means breaking them? I am sorry but you either abide by the rules or you don't and as the solicitor general he has to be the example to everyone. The law isn't something you can just bend or break when it suits you, but then no one cares about that in this double standards society, it's all about number one and sod the rest of you! Also what he actually did is irrelevant, if he lied then he has no place in this role![/p][/quote]He may have not given hi full life history to the PM but he certainly hasn't lied about anything.Robh

Once again Labour show they have nothing to offer to Swindon or the Country. If Ann knew why did she not follow up her complaints.

There is absolutely no evidence that Rob lied to anyone, neither it seems did he break any laws. So all this contrived indignation is clearly politically motivated.

Both Tory MP's have served Swindon well. That cannot be said or their Labour predecessor's.

Once again Labour show they have nothing to offer to Swindon or the Country. If Ann knew why did she not follow up her complaints.
There is absolutely no evidence that Rob lied to anyone, neither it seems did he break any laws. So all this contrived indignation is clearly politically motivated.
Both Tory MP's have served Swindon well. That cannot be said or their Labour predecessor's.RichardR1

nigelej wrote:
I don't understand how any of you can protect or defend any of the mps we currently have . Not one of them can look you in the eye and give an honest answer to anything . It's about time we looked at some thing different . I will be honest and say I don't know what but surly there must be a better way to run our country than the way we do now . Be honest all of you who have commented on here lots of times .Conservatives,labou

r, ukip, liberals . Can you honestly say you trust the very people you defend .

Don't trust any politician Nigel, never have and never will. They are all just in it for themselves and what they can get out of it rather than what they can put in. Politics is basically a game and the ones who know how best to play it are the ones who are the most "successful" at it. Add to that the fact they need no ability, qualification or experience to do the job, just to get elected and you understand why no one bothers to vote anymore!

[quote][p][bold]nigelej[/bold] wrote:
I don't understand how any of you can protect or defend any of the mps we currently have . Not one of them can look you in the eye and give an honest answer to anything . It's about time we looked at some thing different . I will be honest and say I don't know what but surly there must be a better way to run our country than the way we do now . Be honest all of you who have commented on here lots of times .Conservatives,labou
r, ukip, liberals . Can you honestly say you trust the very people you defend .[/p][/quote]Don't trust any politician Nigel, never have and never will. They are all just in it for themselves and what they can get out of it rather than what they can put in. Politics is basically a game and the ones who know how best to play it are the ones who are the most "successful" at it. Add to that the fact they need no ability, qualification or experience to do the job, just to get elected and you understand why no one bothers to vote anymore!house on the hill

"The man in charge of ensuring that lawyers do not bring the profession into disrepute was himself found guilty of just such a charge three years ago."

http://www.itv.com/n
ews/west/2014-07-21/
embarrassment-for-sw
indon-souths-conserv
ative-mp/
Oh Dear, ITV news says:-
"The man in charge of ensuring that lawyers do not bring the profession into disrepute was himself found guilty of just such a charge three years ago."Grimly Feendish

Big Time wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.

Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.

What's all this 'of', about?

Well done for feeling the need to point out that I made a few spelling mistakes when using my smart phone earlier this morning, I am sure you feel all the better for getting that off your chest.

[quote][p][bold]South Stand[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Time[/bold] wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.
Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.[/p][/quote]What's all this 'of', about?[/p][/quote]Well done for feeling the need to point out that I made a few spelling mistakes when using my smart phone earlier this morning, I am sure you feel all the better for getting that off your chest.Big Time

swindondad wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.

Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.

agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules

Even if it means breaking them? I am sorry but you either abide by the rules or you don't and as the solicitor general he has to be the example to everyone. The law isn't something you can just bend or break when it suits you, but then no one cares about that in this double standards society, it's all about number one and sod the rest of you! Also what he actually did is irrelevant, if he lied then he has no place in this role!

He may have not given hi full life history to the PM but he certainly hasn't lied about anything.

You sound just like a lawyer! He didn't tell him something he was required to but as he didn't actually lie that's ok! I think to most people that would still be seen as dishonest and hardly a trait we want in the solicitor general!

[quote][p][bold]Robh[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]house on the hill[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Scouse Red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]swindondad[/bold] wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.
Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.[/p][/quote]agreed, i'd want the governor of my kid's schools to do whatever they could to find out the truth and upload the rules[/p][/quote]Even if it means breaking them? I am sorry but you either abide by the rules or you don't and as the solicitor general he has to be the example to everyone. The law isn't something you can just bend or break when it suits you, but then no one cares about that in this double standards society, it's all about number one and sod the rest of you! Also what he actually did is irrelevant, if he lied then he has no place in this role![/p][/quote]He may have not given hi full life history to the PM but he certainly hasn't lied about anything.[/p][/quote]You sound just like a lawyer! He didn't tell him something he was required to but as he didn't actually lie that's ok! I think to most people that would still be seen as dishonest and hardly a trait we want in the solicitor general!house on the hill

Big Time wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.

Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.

What's all this 'of', about?

Chav-speak for 'have'.....innit! lol

[quote][p][bold]South Stand[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Time[/bold] wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.
Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.[/p][/quote]What's all this 'of', about?[/p][/quote]Chav-speak for 'have'.....innit! lolSynergie

Big Time wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.

Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.

What's all this 'of', about?

Well done for feeling the need to point out that I made a few spelling mistakes when using my smart phone earlier this morning, I am sure you feel all the better for getting that off your chest.

Where exactly did I say you'd made a spelling mistake?

[quote][p][bold]Big Time[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]South Stand[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Time[/bold] wrote:
In a role that involves giving legal advice to the government his integrity needs to be beyond reproach, he should of disclosed this bar offence and it was clearly dishonest to hold it back, he would of been aware that had he disclosed it's unlikely he would of been given the job.
Buckland played his handed and has been caught out, another dishonest lying politician, well I never.[/p][/quote]What's all this 'of', about?[/p][/quote]Well done for feeling the need to point out that I made a few spelling mistakes when using my smart phone earlier this morning, I am sure you feel all the better for getting that off your chest.[/p][/quote]Where exactly did I say you'd made a spelling mistake?South Stand

Why has nobody asked the question what was as school governor doing running an investigation into what happened at Ridgeway School? Any internal investigation would run the risk of prejudicing the police investigation. Furthermore once the police investigation was finished it should be the Local Authority's job to investigate if appropriate. My understanding is that in Child Protection and Safeguarding cases governors should not be involved.

Why has nobody asked the question what was as school governor doing running an investigation into what happened at Ridgeway School? Any internal investigation would run the risk of prejudicing the police investigation. Furthermore once the police investigation was finished it should be the Local Authority's job to investigate if appropriate. My understanding is that in Child Protection and Safeguarding cases governors should not be involved.Spurs Fan

Trust B'Anne d Wagon Bertha to get it on the act with her smear tactics, designed to win her votes at the next election without a shadow of a doubt. What an odious woman Snelgrove is- have people forgotten how when MP she always toed the party line even after vouching to vote for her constituents wishes? Buck land have have acted inappropriately but we're hardly talking Watergate here are we? Mrs Webster hardly emerges with any credit either eh? didn't hear any complaints when Buckland was trying to get to the nitty gritty about what happened to Henry. I just hate the hypocrisy of the woman.

Trust B'Anne d Wagon Bertha to get it on the act with her smear tactics, designed to win her votes at the next election without a shadow of a doubt. What an odious woman Snelgrove is- have people forgotten how when MP she always toed the party line even after vouching to vote for her constituents wishes? Buck land have have acted inappropriately but we're hardly talking Watergate here are we? Mrs Webster hardly emerges with any credit either eh? didn't hear any complaints when Buckland was trying to get to the nitty gritty about what happened to Henry. I just hate the hypocrisy of the woman.The Jockster

Those that are without sin... throw the first stone !! I am sure that some dirt can be dug up on any pollie. Get it into you head, this man admitted he did wrong, not something you would expect, however he was man enough to say so. He went through the humility of being admonished, as with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Rules there is a time period as to whether it has to be disclosed or not. - it has expired, I am sure the spooks briefed the PM.
As a judge and a barrister he is good at his job, that is why he was selected to advise the Government on the law, as an MP for Swindon South, he has achieved a lot more than his predecessors.. So the next time drop a crisp packet on the pavement - THINK... will this stop me getting a job as Prime Minister of England...........

Those that are without sin... throw the first stone !! I am sure that some dirt can be dug up on any pollie. Get it into you head, this man admitted he did wrong, not something you would expect, however he was man enough to say so. He went through the humility of being admonished, as with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Rules there is a time period as to whether it has to be disclosed or not. - it has expired, I am sure the spooks briefed the PM.
As a judge and a barrister he is good at his job, that is why he was selected to advise the Government on the law, as an MP for Swindon South, he has achieved a lot more than his predecessors.. So the next time drop a crisp packet on the pavement - THINK... will this stop me getting a job as Prime Minister of England...........childofthefifties

Well we can see lots of Labour low life, sorry supporters, respond to these stories - I would have voted UKIP but now, because of the Labour opportunist remarks , I will vote Conservatory to make sure HE gets in again. Snelglove is just an opportunist mischief maker and has no part in the way forward for this Country - Labour own goal as far as I am concerned.

Well we can see lots of Labour low life, sorry supporters, respond to these stories - I would have voted UKIP but now, because of the Labour opportunist remarks , I will vote Conservatory to make sure HE gets in again. Snelglove is just an opportunist mischief maker and has no part in the way forward for this Country - Labour own goal as far as I am concerned.House with no name

RichardR1 wrote:
House, according to the bar council and the government he didn't have to tell Cameron, as the 'conviction' was spent. He didn't break the law.

Hey Robbo, I know you've only posted two comments here but so far you haven't made any of your usual spelling or grammar gaffes - well done you!

Have you been taking evening classes?

[quote][p][bold]RichardR1[/bold] wrote:
House, according to the bar council and the government he didn't have to tell Cameron, as the 'conviction' was spent. He didn't break the law.[/p][/quote]Hey Robbo, I know you've only posted two comments here but so far you haven't made any of your usual spelling or grammar gaffes - well done you!
Have you been taking evening classes?semitonic

RichardR1 wrote:
Once again Labour show they have nothing to offer to Swindon or the Country. If Ann knew why did she not follow up her complaints.

There is absolutely no evidence that Rob lied to anyone, neither it seems did he break any laws. So all this contrived indignation is clearly politically motivated.

Both Tory MP's have served Swindon well. That cannot be said or their Labour predecessor's.

Anne Snelgrove, who was the Labour MP at the time and will be standing for election next year, said: “This appalling incident which left a teenage boy seriously injured was a tragedy

"Anne Snelgrove" who was the Labour MP at the time and will be standing for election next year, said: “This appalling incident which left a teenage boy seriously injured was a tragedy.

[quote][p][bold]RichardR1[/bold] wrote:
Once again Labour show they have nothing to offer to Swindon or the Country. If Ann knew why did she not follow up her complaints.
There is absolutely no evidence that Rob lied to anyone, neither it seems did he break any laws. So all this contrived indignation is clearly politically motivated.
Both Tory MP's have served Swindon well. That cannot be said or their Labour predecessor's.[/p][/quote]Anne Snelgrove, who was the Labour MP at the time and will be standing for election next year, said: “This appalling incident which left a teenage boy seriously injured was a tragedy
"Anne Snelgrove" who was the Labour MP at the time and will be standing for election next year, said: “This appalling incident which left a teenage boy seriously injured was a tragedy.messyits

villageoldman wrote:
It was Labours policy of racial integration in a village school that caused the problems in the first place. Now a school that looks like Colditz. Well done Labour..

As far as I know--no govt has condoned racial discrimination in any school.

[quote][p][bold]villageoldman[/bold] wrote:
It was Labours policy of racial integration in a village school that caused the problems in the first place. Now a school that looks like Colditz. Well done Labour..[/p][/quote]As far as I know--no govt has condoned racial discrimination in any school.messyits

swindondad wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.

Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.

What isn't a good thing, is having a person prepared to do whatever it takes to potentially support illegal or unlawful activities. Whilst he appears well suited to the current. sleezy, cabinet, how can the public trust him to do what is right, rather than what his cabinet masters tell him to do?

[quote][p][bold]swindondad[/bold] wrote:
IMHO It was Robert Buckland's duty as a school governor to find out what had happened in this tragic incident. If he used his professional contacts to speed up this process then that at worst was a technical infringement and should not therefore effect his suitability to carry out his new role.
Being someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes in the interests of those they reprecent would seem to be a good thing in an MP.[/p][/quote]What isn't a good thing, is having a person prepared to do whatever it takes to potentially support illegal or unlawful activities. Whilst he appears well suited to the current. sleezy, cabinet, how can the public trust him to do what is right, rather than what his cabinet masters tell him to do?IanRM

RichardR1 wrote:
House, according to the bar council and the government he didn't have to tell Cameron, as the 'conviction' was spent. He didn't break the law.

Hey Robbo, I know you've only posted two comments here but so far you haven't made any of your usual spelling or grammar gaffes - well done you!

Have you been taking evening classes?

Its clearly the site troll posting as robfm. Another account for the collection

[quote][p][bold]semitonic[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]RichardR1[/bold] wrote:
House, according to the bar council and the government he didn't have to tell Cameron, as the 'conviction' was spent. He didn't break the law.[/p][/quote]Hey Robbo, I know you've only posted two comments here but so far you haven't made any of your usual spelling or grammar gaffes - well done you!
Have you been taking evening classes?[/p][/quote]Its clearly the site troll posting as robfm. Another account for the collectionDavey Gravey